02/06/2026
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ณ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐
The Office of International Affairs (OIA) of Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) successfully conducted EMPOWER Series 2: Orientation on the Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP) under CHED Memorandum Order No. 10, Series of 2023, and University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP), gathering university officials, college deans, OJT coordinators, and OIA coordinators in a virtual orientation aimed at advancing the universityโs internationalization agenda.
The activity opened with welcome remarks from Ms. Shara Marie B. Pineda, International Affairs Coordinator of the College of Human Ecology, who emphasized the universityโs commitment to expanding global opportunities for students through academic mobility and international internship programs. She highlighted the vital role of college leaders and coordinators in ensuring the successful implementation of international learning experiences.
In her message, Dr. Elma P. Apostol, Vice President for Academic Affairs, underscored the transformative impact of student mobility programs on the lives of students. She noted that international internships provide opportunities for students to gain global exposure, develop professional competencies, and showcase the quality of education offered by NVSU on the international stage.
Delivering his inspirational message, Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale Jr., University President, reaffirmed NVSUโs commitment to internationalization as a key pillar of institutional development. He recalled the establishment of the Office of International Affairs in 2023 as a strategic initiative to accelerate global engagement and strengthen international partnerships. He challenged OIA coordinators and university stakeholders to become active advocates of internationalization, emphasizing that student and faculty mobility, international research collaborations, and global partnerships are essential in producing globally competitive graduates.
Atty. Regine Karla G. Tabas, Director of the Office of International Affairs, presented the enhanced policies, standards, and guidelines governing the implementation of the Student Internship Abroad Program under CHED Memorandum Order No. 10, Series of 2023. Her presentation discussed the legal framework, eligibility requirements, application procedures, student welfare safeguards, and institutional responsibilities involved in deploying students abroad for internship programs.
Atty. Tabas also highlighted NVSUโs accomplishments in international mobility, including its distinction as the first higher education institution in Region II to revive the Student Internship Abroad Program after the pandemic. She recognized the efforts of the College of Human Ecology-NVSU, which successfully deployed multiple batches of students to Thailand and contributed to NVSUโs recognition as a SIAP Mobility Champion.
Providing practical insights, Dr. Rhea L. Adriatico, Dean of the College of Human Ecology, shared the collegeโs experiences and best practices in implementing SIAP. She detailed the rigorous preparation process, including partnership development, student screening, documentation management, pre-departure orientations, monitoring mechanisms, and post-deployment evaluations. Dr. Adriatico emphasized that successful internationalization initiatives require collaboration among deans, OIA coordinators, department chairs, OJT coordinators, faculty members, students, and parents.
The activity also featured inspiring testimonials from SIAP participants Mr. Cjay Yoro and Mr. Jerome Llamelo, who shared how their internships in Thailand enhanced their professional skills, confidence, and adaptability. Yoro highlighted the valuable industry experience he gained at The Slate Phuket, where he learned the importance of teamwork, versatility, and guest service excellence. Meanwhile, Llamelo reflected on how living and working abroad helped him become more independent and resilient while exposing him to global hospitality standards and diverse cultures.
Both interns encouraged students to seize international internship opportunities, emphasizing that global exposure, cross-cultural competence, and real-world industry experience provide a competitive advantage in the hospitality sector and prepare graduates for successful careers in the global workforce.
Following the discussion on SIAP, Atty. Tabas introduced the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) program as another pathway for internationalization. She emphasized that while not all academic programs may be ready for long-term internship abroad initiatives, UMAP offers students and faculty opportunities for academic exchange, short-term mobility, virtual learning engagements, and international collaboration, enabling wider participation in global education programs.
To further support international mobility initiatives, Mr. Graniel G. Miranda, Secretariat for International Partnerships and Events, presented the UMAP Student Connection Online (USCO) Portal, providing participants with an overview of the platform's features and application processes. The session guided coordinators on how to access and utilize the portal effectively, ensuring streamlined participation in international programs and mobility opportunities available through UMAP and partner institutions.
The orientation reinforced NVSUโs strategic direction toward strengthening international collaborations and expanding opportunities for global engagement. Through programs such as SIAP and UMAP, the university continues to create pathways for students to gain international exposure, develop intercultural competencies, and become globally competitive professionals.
The EMPOWER Series serves as one of NVSUโs continuing initiatives to equip faculty, staff, and students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate international academic programs while ensuring compliance with national policies and standards. As NVSU advances its internationalization agenda, the university remains committed to fostering meaningful global partnerships and providing transformative learning experiences that prepare students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
